Raj Tawney’s debut essay collection, titled *Better the Next Day: On Food, Family, and the Memories We Leave Behind*, is set to be published in fall 2027 by Fordham University Press.
Award-winning author, journalist, and essayist Raj Tawney is preparing to release his first collection of essays, *Better the Next Day: On Food, Family, and the Memories We Leave Behind*, in fall 2027. The collection will be published by Fordham University Press and will delve into themes that have become hallmarks of Tawney’s writing, including reflections on his formative years, cultural and culinary influences, and explorations of his complex family history.
Tawney has established himself as a significant multicultural voice through his personal essays featured in prestigious publications such as *The New York Times*, *The Washington Post*, *The Guardian*, and *USA Today*. His 2023 debut memoir, *Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience*, also published by Fordham University Press’s Empire State Editions imprint, garnered critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including the Ippy Award, Best Indie Book Award, National Indie Excellence Award, and Living Now Book Award. The memoir received praise from notable figures such as Junot Díaz, Lidia Bastianich, John Leguizamo, Carla Hall, and Wajahat Ali.
In addition to his memoir, Tawney published *All Mixed Up* in 2024, a Middle Grade novel that was recognized as a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids and featured on the Día Reading List, among other accolades.
Expressing his gratitude for the collaboration with Fordham University Press, Tawney stated, “I feel truly grateful to continue working with such a talented, dedicated team of people at Fordham University Press. They’ve become like a second family. I had an incredible three years working on *Colorful Palate* and I wouldn’t want to publish this collection with anyone else. In a publishing landscape that values and encourages sensationalism and phoniness, Fredric is one of the rare gems who lets his authors truly be themselves and as a result, they shine brightly.”
Fredric Nachbaur, Director of Fordham University Press, shared his enthusiasm for Tawney’s upcoming collection. “When Raj asked me if Fordham University Press would consider publishing a collection of his essays, I jumped at the chance,” he said. “I’ve long admired Raj’s writing about family, culture, identity, and food. We took a chance on his first book, *Colorful Palate*, but had confidence that readers would appreciate his honesty, humor, and relate to his challenges of feeling like an outsider. We were not disappointed! Raj proved himself to be a tireless promoter and advocate for his work and university press publishing. The awards and reviews he received attest to his exceptional writing. I am beyond thrilled to be working with Raj on his next book.”
*Better the Next Day: On Food, Family, and the Memories We Leave Behind* is scheduled for release in fall 2027. Meanwhile, *Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience* will be available in paperback on March 3, 2026, according to *India Currents*.